The newly formed 13-member Karnataka cabinet led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has faced early disruption after veteran Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy resigned. The 72-year-old, an eight-time legislator from Bengaluru, stepped down after being denied the Bengaluru development portfolio, which went instead to a younger MLA.
Speculation began the day after the cabinet was sworn in. On Friday, Reddy confirmed he had submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister, having been assigned the Water Resources and Irrigation portfolio instead.
Reddy stated he was upset with the allocation and could not work against his conscience. He emphasised he would remain in the Congress and continue as an MLA.
The development occurred while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were in Bengaluru for Kharge’s Rajya Sabha nomination filing.
Shivakumar said he would resolve the matter and stressed the importance of discipline. He noted Reddy was not from a rural area and had been given irrigation responsibilities, adding that he would speak with the veteran leader.
Observers view the episode as part of ongoing rivalry between factions led by Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over government resources.
This marks the second time Reddy has expressed dissatisfaction with his portfolio. In 2023, after the Congress assumed power under Siddaramaiah, he was initially promised the Bengaluru city portfolio but received Transport and Muzrai instead. Shivakumar had assured him the Bengaluru role would follow later.
Reddy said he never sought a ministerial position and accepted appointments offered by the party. He recounted being told the Bengaluru portfolio would be his once Shivakumar became Chief Minister.
The Bengaluru development portfolio is viewed as influential due to substantial funds and contracts for city projects. A politician-contractor network is seen as shaping local outcomes, especially ahead of Greater Bengaluru Authority elections.
The Congress has now named Bengaluru MLA Krishna Byre Gowda as the new Bengaluru development minister.
